The “juicio rápido” is Spain’s fast-track criminal procedure for offences caught in the act or easy to investigate: drink-driving, assault, threats, domestic violence, theft. Everything can be decided within days, often before the duty judge in Vilanova i la Geltrú. Here a lawyer is compulsory. If you have been summoned, arrested, or a family member is at the police station, call 618 799 647: we explain in English what will happen and the best option.
How a “juicio rápido” works
The Mossos d’Esquadra or local police write the report and summon you before the duty judge. In a single session the judge hears you, the prosecutor (Fiscalía) states the charge and two doors open:
- Negotiated plea (conformidad): you accept the penalty requested by the prosecutor, reduced by one third. Judgment is given the same day and the case is closed.
- Defence: you do not accept, and the trial takes place in the following days or weeks before the criminal court (juzgado de lo penal), where evidence is heard.
Choosing between the two is the most important decision in the whole process. It must be made with a lawyer who has read the police report and knows the real consequences: fine, community service, driving ban, restraining order, criminal record.
Drink-driving in Sitges and Vilanova: what to expect
Driving with more than 0.60 mg/l in breath (1.2 g/l in blood) is a criminal offence in Spain even without an accident. Below that, it can also be an offence if the police show you were driving under the influence. The penalty includes a fine, community service or 3 to 6 months in prison, and always a driving ban of 1 to 4 years.
In practice, for a first positive test without an accident, the prosecutor usually asks for a fine and a driving ban. With a negotiated plea the ban is reduced by one third; if it does not exceed two years you do not lose the validity of your licence. For a UK, Irish or other foreign licence, the Spanish ban applies on Spanish territory; we explain the practical consequences for your situation.
We check whether the test was done correctly (device, margin of error, two tests, time between them, notification of rights) and work out which plea is acceptable, or whether it is better to fight the case.
A summons, a lawsuit or a deadline running?
Call now or message us on WhatsApp. Same-day reply and a fixed written quote within 24 hours.
Other urgent summonses we handle
- Assault after a fight or an argument, with a medical report.
- Domestic and gender violence: complaints between partners or ex-partners, restraining orders and breaches. Fast-track procedures with immediate consequences for the home and the children.
- Theft, burglary and criminal damage caught in the act.
- Driving without a licence or while banned and refusing a breath test (a separate offence, punishable with prison).
- Serious threats and coercion.
- Statement as a suspect (investigado) on summons from the investigating judge.
Arrested in Vilanova or Sitges: your rights and the lawyer’s role
Anyone arrested in Spain has the right to a lawyer from the first moment, to remain silent, to a free interpreter, to inform a relative and, for foreign nationals, to have their consulate informed. Police custody cannot exceed 72 hours; usually the person is brought before the duty judge in Vilanova i la Geltrú within 24 to 48 hours.
The lawyer chosen by the family can go to the police station, speak privately with the detainee before any statement, attend the questioning and the appearance before the judge. If we cannot get there in time, one essential piece of advice: do not make a statement without a lawyer. The duty lawyer will attend, and we take over afterwards.
How we handle an urgent summons
- Call and police report.You tell us what happened and send the summons or report on WhatsApp. We summarise: offence, likely penalty, options.
- Fixed quote.In writing, within 24 hours. It covers the duty court, the plea or the trial, depending on the strategy.
- Strategy.Negotiated plea with the prosecutor or a defence with evidence. You decide, with full information.
- Duty court and trial.We go with you to the court in Vilanova i la Geltrú, with the interpreter if needed.
- Enforcement.Fine, community service, driving licence, cancellation of the record.
A summons, a lawsuit or a deadline running?
Call now or message us on WhatsApp. Same-day reply and a fixed written quote within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
I have been summoned to the duty court for drink-driving. Is a lawyer compulsory?
Yes. In a “juicio rápido” you must be assisted by a lawyer; otherwise a duty lawyer is appointed. If you want to prepare the plea or the defence with an English-speaking lawyer, call us before the date of the summons.
Will I lose my licence?
A drink-driving offence always carries a driving ban of 1 to 4 years, reduced by one third with a negotiated plea. Over two years, a Spanish licence loses its validity. We study your case to keep the ban to the minimum.
What is the “conformidad” and is it in my interest?
It is accepting the prosecutor’s requested penalty, reduced by one third, in exchange for closing the case immediately. It makes sense when the evidence is solid and the reduction is real; it does not when there are errors in the report or the test, or when the penalty requested is disproportionate.
My partner has been arrested in Sitges. What do I do?
Call us. If we can, we go to the police station; if not, we tell you what to say to your relative (no statement without a lawyer) and we attend the duty court. We do not promise results, but you will not be on your own.
Is a domestic violence complaint a fast-track procedure?
Usually yes, often with a protection order and a restraining order. Whether you are the accused or the victim, the first statement shapes everything that follows: do not go unprepared.
This information is general and may vary with the case and changes in the law. We guarantee no results: we offer preparation, honesty and speed.